Displaying 1 - 20 of 22 articles

Invasive frogs can have a major impact on the environment. Some move continents by human trade or travel. But determining how to control them can lead to policies that limit their spread and effects.

These migratory pied imperial-pigeons in Far North Queensland, like many of Australia’s 22 species of native pigeons and doves, play an important role in our ecosystems but may be at risk from emerging viruses in domestic pigeons.
Dejan StojanovicJuly 13, 2017

A nationwide outbreak of foot and mouth disease; an invasion of a devastating wheat disease; our honeybees completely wiped out. These are just three possible disastrous scenarios facing Australia; they’re…

Some rat, possum and mozzie species thrive when living close to people.
Mark Philpott/FlickrNovember 24, 2014

Our world is becoming increasingly urbanised. In 1950, just 30% of the world’s population lived in urban areas. This number is now over 50% and rising. By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population are…

Tractors may have revolutionised farming but to protect biosecurity, farmers could do with some extra help.
Ben McLeod/FlickrNovember 24, 2014

New technology to tackle biosecurity challenges down the track is one of the five megatrends identified in today’s CSIRO report Australia’s Biosecurity Future: preparing for future biological challenges…

Enough to make the leaves fall off even in summertime.
Gareth Fuller/PAJune 23, 2014

Looking at the countryside now in the middle of summer, it is hard to believe that trees are under threat from an array of diseases and pests. Warm and wet conditions with plenty of sunshine have led to…

What to do about invasive species, which are having a growing and generally detrimental effect on Europe’s environment and economies, is the subject of discussion in both the European Parliament and UK…

Too much information could be a recipe for disaster.
Abode of ChaosFebruary 3, 2014

Last October, scientists in California sequenced the DNA for the “type H” botulinum toxin. One gram of this toxin would be sufficient to kill half a billion people, making it the deadliest substance yet…

If you like good food, clean water, and protection from disease, you’re probably a fan of biosecurity.
AAP Julian SmithNovember 15, 2013

When the Department of Agriculture called a halt to imports of pop star Katy Perry’s latest album this month, they weren’t making a musical judgement. They were protecting Australia’s biosecurity. Biosecurity…

Recently we reported on the issue of red imported fire ants in Brisbane – a pernicious pest, first detected in Queensland in 2001, that affects agricultural crops, native species and human health. Although…

Disease-carrying pests such as the biting midge Culicoides can be blown from Asia into northern Australia by strong winds.
AJC1July 24, 2013